Method of manipulating data storage elements

ABSTRACT

A device and method for simultaneously manipulating multiple data storage cartridges or other storage elements in a storage library. The device housing includes an opening for receiving data storage cartridges. A gripping mechanism extends from the opening. The gripping mechanism is adapted to grip a data storage cartridge to be retrieved and to urge the data storage cartridge into the opening. One or more transport mechanisms are attached to one or more inner walls of the housing. The transport mechanisms are adapted such that once a data storage cartridge moves into the opening, the transport mechanisms will urge the data storage cartridge further into the opening until the data storage cartridge is held within the housing. The data storage cartridge can be moved further into the housing such that the gripping mechanism is free to collect additional cartridges.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/181,125filed on Jul. 14, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to methods for manipulatingdata storage elements in a library of data storage elements.

2. Background Art

Modern data storage libraries may contain vast numbers of data storagecartridges other storage elements, such as floppy disks, DVDs, CDs. Tohandle the vast number of cartridges or other storage elements, one ormore robotic devices having a manipulating member, which may be referredto as a hands, move within the library. The robots and associated handsretrieve data storage cartridges from the library and deliver the datastorage cartridges to one or more data storage cartridge readers.Similarly, the robots and associated hands deliver data storagecartridges from the readers back to the library.

Because the number of data storage cartridges contained in a library canbe extremely large, efficient use of space is a priority. Thus, datastorage cartridges are packed closely together and the library isdesigned such that there exists a minimum number of aisles of mostlyempty space. Aisles may be horizontal and vertical, or curved. Althoughaisles are necessary to allow the robots and hands to retrieve datastorage cartridges, each aisle reduces the total number of data storagecartridges that may be stored in a particular room.

Reducing the number of aisles and increasing the number of data storagecartridges stored in a library is desirable. Therefore, it would beadvantageous to have an improved apparatus and method for manipulatingmultiple data storage cartridges using a single robot having a singlehand.

SUMMARY

A method according to the present disclosure of manipulating a datastorage element may comprise gripping the data storage element, whilethe data storage element is disposed in a storage compartment, using agripping mechanism that extends from an opening in a housing, whereinthe gripping mechanism is operably attached to the housing, and whereinthe housing is sized to hold a plurality of data storage elements. Themethod may further include moving the data storage element away from thestorage compartment and into the opening using the gripping mechanism,and moving the data storage element away from the gripping mechanism andfurther into the housing through the opening using a first transportmechanism, the first transport mechanism being disposed within andoperably connected to the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a device for manipulating multiple data storage cartridgesin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a device for manipulating multiple datastorage cartridges in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a device for manipulating multiple datastorage cartridges in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a device for manipulating multiple datastorage cartridges in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 shows a gripping mechanism for use with a device for manipulatingmultiple data storage cartridges in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A shows a cross section of the gripping mechanism shown in FIG. 5in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B shows a cross section of the gripping mechanism shown in FIG. 5in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6C shows a cross section of the gripping mechanism shown in FIG. 5in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the figures and in particular with reference toFIG. 1, a device for manipulating multiple data storage cartridges orother storage elements in a storage library is shown in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. A device for manipulating datastorage cartridges may be referred to as a hand. Hand 100 includes ashell, such as housing 120, that holds a data storage cartridge, such asdata storage cartridge 110.

Gripping mechanism 130 extends out from opening 170 in housing 120 toengage the front of data storage cartridge 110. Gripping mechanism 130then retracts to pull data storage cartridge 110 partially into housing120. Transport mechanisms then pull data storage cartridge 110 furtherinto housing 120. Later, when cartridge 110 is ejected from housing 120,the transport mechanisms may reverse their action and aid in ejectingcartridge 110 from housing 120.

The transport mechanisms shown in the illustrative embodiments of FIG. 1through FIG. 6C are belts. The belts may be GATES™ POWERGRIP™ belts,though any pliable belts fashioned from rubber, plastic, or otherflexible material may be used. In an illustrative embodiment, the beltshave teeth disposed on one side of the belt. The teeth are sized,dimensioned, and spaced to correspond with sprockets disposed in rollersthat drive the belt. One or more motors are connected to the rollers inorder to cause the rollers to roll and thereby induce the belt to rotatearound the rollers. The belt catches against the side or sides of a tapecartridge, thereby providing the force required to pull or push the datastorage cartridge within the housing. The belt may also be replaced by atrack or tread, similar in structure to tank treads.

In addition, the transport mechanisms may be any other suitablemechanisms for pulling or pushing data storage cartridges within thehousing. For example, the transport mechanism may be a series of poweredand freewheeling rollers disposed on opposite inner walls of thehousing. One or more motors cause the rollers to spin, and the rollerscatch against the side or sides of a tape cartridge, thereby providingthe force required to pull or push the data storage cartridge within thehousing. In another illustrative embodiment, the transport mechanism maybe electromagnetic. In this case, an electromagnetic force is used topull and push the data storage cartridge within the housing. However,the data storage cartridge must be shielded to prevent magnetic fieldsfrom damaging data held in one or more tapes contained within thecartridge. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the transportmechanism may be a series of levers that grip the data storage cartridgeand pull or push it within the data storage cartridge. In yet anotherillustrative embodiment, the transport mechanism may be one or more rodsadapted with a mechanism that attaches to the data storage cartridge.The rods move inwardly and outwardly relative to the opening in thehousing. The rods may be connected to the data storage cartridges andthereafter used to pull and push data storage cartridges within thehousing.

As described above, the illustrative transport mechanisms shown in FIG.1 through FIG. 6C are belts driven by rollers. Primary transportmechanism set 140A and 140B retracts data storage cartridge 110 intohousing 120 along the major axis of the housing. If data storagecartridge 110 is the first cartridge in housing 120, then secondarytransport mechanism set 150A and 150B engages data storage cartridge 110and pulls data storage cartridge 110 to the rear of housing 120 asprimary transport mechanism set 140A and 140B urges data storagecartridge 110 towards the rear of housing 120. Power source 160 drivesthe automatic action of both primary transport mechanism set 140A and140B and secondary transport mechanism set 150A and 150B.

Gripping mechanism 130 extends from opening 170 of housing 120. In thepresent embodiment, gripping mechanism 130 includes two resilientfingers, flaps or tongs, tong 130A and tong 130B, attached to housing120 and extending from opening 170. Gripping mechanism 130 reciprocatesin and out of housing 120, thereby allowing tongs 130A and 130B to grabcartridge 110 and retract cartridge 110 into housing 120.

Gripping mechanism 130 may later be used to move data storage cartridge110 back out of housing 120. For example, the operation of primarytransport mechanism set 140A and 140B and secondary transport mechanismset 150A and 150B may be reversed such that the transport mechanism setsurge data storage cartridge 110 out of opening 170. Once data storagecartridge 110 is completely out of housing 120, gripping mechanism 130holds data storage cartridge 110 until it is placed into a reader or alibrary storage slot, as desired.

FIG. 2 shows a device for manipulating multiple data storage cartridgesin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.2 illustrates an exemplary operation of the device shown in FIG. 1. Hand200 is a larger version of hand 100 shown in FIG. 1, allowing for threedata storage cartridges. However, a hand may be designed to hold anydesired number of data storage cartridges, subject to practical sizeconsiderations of aisles in the library or the size of considerations ofthe room containing the library.

In the illustrative embodiment, robot 290 maneuvers hand 200 to adesignated area in the library storage area. Robot 290 is connected tothe housing. The robot is adapted to move in and around the data storagelibrary and is further adapted to manipulate the orientation of hand 200in order to manipulate data storage cartridges. In the illustrativeembodiment, robot 290 is adapted to manipulate hand 200 such that theopening in hand 200 aligns with a data storage cartridge to beretrieved, such as data storage cartridge 230. Hand 200 may be adaptedfor use with any suitable robot, including robotic arms and robotic railsystems.

Once robot 290 has maneuvered hand 200 into a desired area in thelibrary, hand 200 is ready to manipulate one or more data storagecartridges. Hand 200 grabs data storage cartridge 230, which is storedbetween data storage cartridges 270 and 280 in the library. Hand 200uses gripping mechanism 130 to grip data storage cartridge 230 from itsinitial library storage location. Transport mechanism sets, shown inFIG. 1, then move data storage cartridge 230 from an opening in the“front” 250 of hand 200 to the next available spot within hand 200. Inthis illustrative embodiment, the next available spot is adjacent todata storage cartridge 220. If data storage cartridge 230 had been thefirst data storage cartridge in hand 200, then transport mechanism setswithin hand 200 would have moved cartridge 230 to the “rear” 260 of hand200, where data storage cartridge 210 is shown.

Data storage cartridges 210, 220, and 230 are ejected in reverse orderrelative to their respective new locations. For example, robot 290 moveshand 200 to a new library cartridge location and cartridge 230 moves outof the opening in front 250 of hand 200. Gripping mechanism 130 aids inguiding and placing cartridge 230 into its new location. After cartridge230 is put into place, robot 290 then maneuvers to another locationintended for cartridge 220 and the same process is repeated for ejectingcartridge 220. The same process is then repeated for cartridge 210.

Hand 200 may retrieve and eject cartridges in any particular order. Forexample, hand 200 may retrieve data storage cartridge 210, retrieve datastorage cartridge 220, eject data storage cartridge 220, retrieve datastorage cartridge 230, eject data storage cartridge 230, and thenfinally eject data storage cartridge 210.

In addition, hand 200 may be expanded such that hand 200 may be sizedand dimensioned to hold a three dimensional array of data storagecartridges. In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 2, cartridges arestored sequentially along long axis 290 a of hand 200. Additionaltransport mechanisms may be provided to manipulate cartridges alongdifferent axes within hand 200. For example, an additional set oftransport mechanisms along the top and bottom of hand 200 may beprovided such that cartridge 210 may be moved along minor axis 290 b ofhand 200. Minor axis 290 b is perpendicular to and in the same plane aslong axis 290 a. Thus, hand 200 may accommodate more data storagecartridges by pushing data storage cartridges 210 and 220 aside alongminor axis 290 b. Furthermore, in this illustrative embodiment, datacartridges may be ejected in any desired order, thereby allowing foraccess to data storage cartridges in any desired order.

In another example, assuming space is provided in hand 200, additionaltransport mechanism sets may be provided to move data storage cartridgesalong a third, vertical axis. The vertical axis is perpendicular to bothlong axis 290 a and minor axis 290 b. Thus, cartridge 210 may be pushedup or down within hand 200. In yet another example, hand 200 may containmultiple sets of transport mechanisms or other actuators that allow acartridge to be stored in a cell within a three dimensional array ofcells disposed within hand 200.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show two different transport mechanism and rollerembodiments that may be implemented in the present invention. FIG. 3shows a cross section of a device for manipulating multiple data storagecartridges in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The transport mechanism and roller combinations shown forhand 300 in FIG. 3 are located on opposite inner walls of housing 320.

Hand 300 includes two transport mechanisms, such as transport mechanisms310 and 312. Motors, or other actuators, operate in conjunction withrollers 330, 340, 350, and 360 to drive transport mechanisms 310 and312. Rollers 330, 340, 350, and 360 are in an opposing relationship toeach other. Rollers 330, 340, 350, and 360 and transport mechanisms 310and 312 engage the sides of data storage cartridge 380 to move it froman opening in the front of housing 320 to the rear of housing 320.Rollers 330, 340, 350, and 360 and transport mechanisms 310 and 312 donot engage data storage cartridge 380 until gripping mechanism 370 movesat least a portion of data storage cartridge 380 into housing 320.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, transport mechanisms 310and 312 are disposed on opposite inner walls on the “sides” of hand 300.However, the transport mechanism and roller combinations shown in FIG. 3may be disposed on opposite inner walls on the “top” and “bottom” ofhand 300. The “side” walls and “top” and “bottom” walls of hand 300 areoriented perpendicular to each other. In either case, however, datastorage cartridge 380 may be urged further into housing 320 along thedirection indicated by arrows 390.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a device for manipulating multiple datastorage cartridges in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 4 shows another illustrative example of a beltand roller combination that may be implemented with the presentinvention. Hand 400 includes belts 410, 412, 414, and 416, arranged sothat belts 410 and 412 are disposed along a first inner wall of housing420 and belts 414 and 416 are disposed along a second inner wall ofhousing 420. The first and second inner walls are disposed opposite eachother. Similarly, belt 410 is opposite belt 414 and belt 412 is oppositebelt 416.

One or more motors, or other actuators, in conjunction with rollers 430,432, 434, 436, 440, 442, 444, and 446, drive belts 410, 412, 414, and416. Pairs of rollers are located on opposite ends of each belt. Belts410 and 414 initially engage the sides of data storage cartridge 450after the gripping mechanism 460 pulls data storage cartridge 450 intohousing 420. Belts 412 and 416 engage data storage cartridge 450 afterit passes belts 410 and 414 and rollers 432 and 442. Belts 412 and 416pull data storage cartridge 450 further into housing 420 along thedirection indicated by arrows 470.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, belts 410 and 414 and412 and 416 are disposed on opposite inner walls on the “sides” of hand400.

However, one or both of the belt and roller combinations shown in FIG. 4may be disposed on opposite inner walls on the “top” and “bottom” ofhand 400. The “side” walls and “top” and “bottom” walls of hand 400 areoriented perpendicular to each other. In either case, data storagecartridge 450 may be urged further into housing 420 along the directionindicated by arrows 470.

In addition, a pair of opposite rollers may be disposed on the “top” and“bottom” of the inner walls of housing 420 and a second pair of oppositerollers may be disposed on opposing “sides” of the inner walls ofhousing 420. Thus, belt and roller systems may be arranged in a varietyof configurations to manipulate data storage cartridge 450advantageously within hand 400.

FIG. 5 shows a gripping mechanism for use with a device for manipulatingmultiple data storage cartridges in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Hand 500 includes a grippingmechanism 510 recessed within housing 520. Gripping mechanism 510includes two tongs, tong A 530 and tong B 540, which move in and out ofopening 550 in housing 520. Tong A 530 and tong B 540 clamp data storagecartridge 560 securely before data storage cartridge 560 is fully placedinto or out of opening 550 in housing 520. Primary belt and roller set570A and 570B urges data storage cartridge 560 further into housing 520through opening 550. The action of primary belt and roller set 570A and570B may be reversed such that data storage cartridge 560 is urgedoutwardly through opening 550.

Gripping mechanism 510 further includes rails 580A and 580B, to whichtong A 530 is operably attached. Tong A 530 slides along rails 580A and580B. In addition, rails 580A and 580B are operably attached to theinner wall of housing 520 via links 590A and 590B. Links 590A and 590Ballow tong A 530 to swing back and forth slightly relative to the longaxis of hand 500. Thus, tong A 530 may slide along rails 580A and 580Band swing along the long axis of hand 500. A similar set of rails andlinks are attached to tong B 540 and the opposite inner wall of housing520.

The rails and links shown in FIG. 5 are each attached to one or moreactuators, which may be independently operable. Thus, in oneillustrative embodiment, the rails may swing outwardly and inwardlyrelative to opening 550, actuated by a solenoid or other actuator. Atthe same time, the tongs slide along the rails outwardly relative toopening 550, actuated by a motor. As the rails swing outwardly, thevertical position of the rails relative to housing 520 changes. Thismotion causes each set of rails to move closer to the other. As aresult, the tongs are urged together to grip data storage cartridge 560.Similarly, as data storage cartridge 560 is moved into housing 520, therails eventually swing inwardly relative to opening 550. This motioncauses each set of rails ultimately to move away from the other. As aresult, the tongs are urged apart to release data storage cartridge 560inside housing 520. When data storage cartridge 560 is sufficientlywithin housing 520, one or more belt and roller systems, such as beltand roller system 570A and 570B, further handle data storage cartridge560.

FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C illustrate operation of the tongs, rails, andlinks shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6A shows a cross section of the grippingmechanism shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Hand 600 includes a housing 610 into which datastorage cartridge 620 is to be moved. In use, tong A 630A and tong B630B are pushed outwardly relative to opening 680. Tong A 630A and tongB 630B move along rail A 650A and rail B 650B, respectively. The tongsare actuated by a motor, hydraulic piston, or other actuator.

Rail A 650A is attached to housing 610 via link A 640A and link B 640B.Rail B 650B is attached to housing opposite Rail A 650A via link C 640Cand link D 640D. Tong A 630A and tong B 630B are moved along the rails,actuated by a solenoid, motor, piston, or other actuator disposed nearthe rear of hand 600. The rear of hand 600 is disposed opposite opening680. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, links 640A, 640B,640C, and 640D are adapted such that rails 650A and 650B swing freelyalong the major axis of housing 610, which is the axis connectingopening 680 with the rear of housing 610.

Initially, tongs 630A and 630B are driven outwardly along rails 650A and650B, actuated by a motor or other actuator. At the same time, rails650A and 650B swing outwardly, actuated by a solenoid or other actuator.Thus, tongs 630A and 630B also swing outwardly. As tongs 630A and 630Bswing outwardly, rails 650A and 650B move closer together. As a result,the outwardly extending portions of tongs 630A and 630B grip datastorage cartridge 620. At this point, data storage cartridge 620 isready to be moved into housing 610.

FIG. 6B shows a cross section of the gripping mechanism shown in FIG. 5in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Oncestorage cartridge 620 is ready to be moved into housing 610, tongs 630Aand 630B are pulled inwardly relative to opening 680. Simultaneously,rails 650A and 650B swing inwardly. Thus, data storage cartridge 620 ispinched between tongs 630A and 630B and pulled into housing 610 untilbelt and roller system 660 engages data storage cartridge 620.

FIG. 6C shows a cross section of the gripping mechanism shown in FIG. 5in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Oncebelt and roller system 660 engages data storage cartridge 620, the beltand roller system fully draws data storage cartridge 620 into housing610. As data storage cartridge is pulled into housing 610, rails 650Aand 650B are pushed outwardly until the distance between rails 650A and650A increases. Eventually, the distance between rails 650A and 650Bincreases to the point where tongs 630A and 630B release data storagecartridge 620. At this point, data storage cartridge 620 is fullyengaged by hand 600.

In the illustrative embodiment described above, the rails are designedto move in and out only enough to cause the tongs to grip or release thecartridge in the manner described above. However, in other embodiments,the rails may be designed to move in and out further while the tongsgrip the cartridge.

Thereafter, belt and roller system 660 continues to draw data storagecartridge 620 further rearwardly relative to opening 680. Eventually,second belt and roller system 670 engages data storage cartridge 620.Second belt and roller system then continues to draw data storagecartridge 620 rearwardly until data storage cartridge 620 reaches therear portion of housing 610. The process described in relation to FIG.6A through FIG. 6C may be reversed in order to eject a data storagecartridge from hand 600.

The hand shown in FIG. 5 through FIG. 6C may be varied. A variety ofactuators and linkages may be used to actuate the rails and the tongs.In addition, the size and dimensions of the hand, housing, tongs, rails,belts, rollers, and other components may be varied to accommodatedifferently sized data storage cartridges. Furthermore, the hand may beattached to a variety of different robots such that the hand may be usedin a variety of data storage libraries. In addition, the hand may beexpanded to accommodate two-dimensional or three-dimensional arrays ofdata storage cartridges within the hand.

In addition, the tongs may be replaced by resilient flaps fixedlyattached to the hand and extending from the opening in the hand. In thiscase, the entire hand is moved forward to force the flaps over thecartridge to be retrieved. The flaps grip the cartridge and thecartridge is drawn further into the hand using mechanisms such as thosedescribed above. The cartridge may be ejected by means of any suitablemechanism, such as a rod and piston assembly. Ejection may be furtheraided in this illustrative embodiment with an actuator disposed within acartridge holder or cartridge reader adapted to draw the cartridge intothe holder or the reader.

The inventions described herein provide several advantages overcurrently known hands or devices for data storage cartridgemanipulation. Known hands can only accommodate one data storagecartridge at a time. Thus, an aisle must be placed between each row ofdata storage cartridges. Each aisle wastes space that could be used tohold data storage cartridge. Using the hand of the present invention,rows and columns of data storage cartridges may abut each other, becausethe hand of the present invention can retrieve data storage cartridgeslocated two or more rows or columns behind a data storage cartridgeadjacent to an aisle. Furthermore, fewer robots are required tomanipulate data storage cartridges, thereby saving cost. Thus, the handof the present invention saves space in a data storage library andreduces the cost of building and maintaining the data storage library.

The description of the above embodiments has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive orlimiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art. For example, the hand may be adapted tomanipulate other storage elements, such as floppy disks, hard drives,CDs, DVDs, external memory chips, and other storage elements.

1. A method of manipulating a data storage cartridge, the methodcomprising: retrieving a first data storage cartridge from a storagecompartment using a device, wherein the device comprises: a housingsized and dimensioned to hold a plurality of data storage cartridges,the housing adapted to be operable with a robot, the robot adapted tomove the housing to a plurality of locations within a library of datastorage cartridges such that an opening in the housing may be alignedwith the data storage cartridges in the library; a gripping mechanismextending from the opening in the housing, the gripping mechanismoperably attached to the housing and adapted to grip the first datastorage cartridge when the first data storage cartridge is disposedoutside the housing, wherein the gripping mechanism is further adaptedto pull the first data storage cartridge into the opening; and a firsttransport mechanism disposed within and operably connected to thehousing, the first transport mechanism adapted to pull the first datastorage cartridge away from the gripping mechanism and further into thehousing through the opening as the first data storage cartridge comesinto contact with the first transport mechanism.
 2. The method of claim1 further comprising pulling the first data storage cartridge within thehousing by drawing the first data storage cartridge into the housingusing the first transport mechanism.
 3. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising ejecting the first data storage cartridge into a first datastorage cartridge reader after retrieving the first data storagecartridge.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising retrieving asecond data storage cartridge from a second storage compartment usingthe device.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising ejecting thefirst data storage cartridge into a second storage compartment afterretrieving the first data storage cartridge.
 6. The method of claim 1wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a first rail operably connectedto a first inner wall of the housing, the first rail being operable toswing a predetermined distance along a first axis of the housing; asecond rail operably connected to a second inner wall of the housing andspaced away from the first rail, the second rail being operable to swingthe predetermined distance along the first axis of the housing; a firsttong operably connected to the first rail, the first tong being operableto move along the first rail; a second tong operably connected to thesecond rail, the second tong being operable to move along the secondrail; wherein the first data storage cartridge may be gripped betweenthe first tong and the second tong when the first and second tongsextend from the opening in the housing; and wherein the step ofretrieving the first data storage cartridge includes: receiving thefirst data storage cartridge between the first tong and the second tong;causing the first rail and the second rail to swing inwardly towards thehousing; causing the first tong to move inwardly along the first railtoward the housing and causing the second tong to move inwardly alongthe second rail toward the housing; and gripping the first data storagecartridge between the first tong and the second tong.
 7. The method ofclaim 6 further comprising drawing the first data storage cartridgefurther into the housing using the first transport mechanism.
 8. Themethod of claim 6 further comprising: causing the first rail and thesecond rail to swing outwardly away from the housing; causing the firsttong to move outwardly along the first rail away from the housing andcausing the second tong to move outwardly along the second rail awayfrom the housing; and releasing the first data storage cartridge frombetween the first tong and the second tong.
 9. The method of claim 1wherein the device further comprises the robot and wherein the methodfurther comprises moving the first data storage cartridge from thestorage compartment to a second location, wherein the step of moving isperformed using the robot.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the housingof the device includes a first axis along which the first data storagecartridge may be retrieved through the opening, and wherein the housingis further sized and dimensioned to hold a second data storage cartridgesuch that the first data storage cartridge and the second data storagecartridge may be held in a stack along a second axis of the housing, andwherein the method further includes: drawing the first data storagecartridge into the housing; retrieving the second data storagecartridge; drawing the second data storage cartridge into the housing;and manipulating the second data storage cartridge within the housingsuch that the first data storage cartridge may be ejected before thesecond data storage cartridge is ejected.
 11. The method of claim 1wherein the gripping mechanism is configured to reciprocate back andforth with respect to the housing.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein thefirst transport mechanism includes a belt and multiple rollers.
 13. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising retrieving a second data storagecartridge from a second storage compartment using the device while thefirst data storage cartridge is held in the housing, such that the firstdata storage cartridge and the second data storage cartridge are held ina line along a first axis of the housing that extends through theopening.
 14. The method of claim 6 wherein the rails move away from eachother as the rails swing inwardly with respect to the housing.
 15. Amethod of manipulating a data storage element, the method comprising:gripping the data storage element, while the data storage element isdisposed in a storage compartment, using a gripping mechanism thatextends from an opening in a housing, wherein the gripping mechanism isoperably attached to the housing, and wherein the housing is sized tohold a plurality of data storage elements; moving the data storageelement away from the storage compartment and into the opening using thegripping mechanism; and moving the data storage element away from thegripping mechanism and further into the housing through the openingusing a first transport mechanism, the first transport mechanism beingdisposed within and operably connected to the housing.
 16. The method ofclaim 15 further comprising moving the data storage element stillfurther into the housing and away from the first transport mechanismusing a second transport mechanism disposed within and operablyconnected to the housing, the second transport mechanism being disposedadjacent the first transport mechanism; and receiving an additional datastorage element through the opening while the data storage element isheld in the housing, such that the data storage element and theadditional data storage element are held in a line along a first axis ofthe housing that extends through the opening.
 17. The method of claim 15wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a first rail operably connectedto a first inner wall of the housing, the first rail being operable toswing a predetermined distance along a first axis of the housing; asecond rail operably connected to a second inner wall of the housing andspaced away from the first rail, the second rail being operable to swingthe predetermined distance along the first axis of the housing; a firsttong operably connected to the first rail and movable along the firstrail; and a second tong operably connected to the second rail andmovable along the second rail; wherein the first data storage elementmay be gripped between the first tong and the second tong when the firstand second tongs extend from the opening in the housing; and whereingripping the data storage element comprises: swinging the rails andtongs outwardly so that the tongs grip the data storage element.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 wherein moving the data storage element away from thestorage compartment comprises: swinging the rails inwardly toward thehousing; and moving the first and second tongs inwardly toward thehousing along the first and second rails, respectively.